NorthwestJuly 10, 2008

Tribune

The preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday in the case of James W. Schuetze was continued to July 16. He's accused of the May hit-and-run death of an 8-year-old Lewiston girl.

Schuetze's attorney, Robert Van Idour of Lewiston, asked Magistrate Court Judge Jay P. Gaskill for more time to review the case with his client.

Schuetze is being held in the Nez Perce County Jail on three felony charges, including second-degree murder.

Schuetze was the alleged driver of a van police reports indicate twice struck a GMC Suburban parked outside a 615 Third Ave. apartment building in Lewiston, leading to the death of Sydney W. Byrd.

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Byrd, 8, was playing near the front passenger tire of her family's Suburban at the time of the collision, according to court records, and reportedly died of extensive head injuries in the accident.

Schuetze is alleged to have fled the scene, but was arrested a short time later by Asotin County deputies on the 1500 block of Elm Street in Clarkston.

Schuetze was sentenced last month in Asotin County District Court to six months in jail on a DUI conviction.

If convicted of second-degree murder in Nez Perce County, Schuetze could face a penalty of 10 years to life in prison.

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